The Magpies are 6/1 on with the bookies to win promotion and, although United’s senior stars have urged their younger team-mates to keep their feet on the ground, talk on the terraces of regaining Premier League status is rife.

But United coach Calderwood says that, until promotion is assured, nobody will be allowed to talk about partying or lifting the Coca-Cola Championship trophy.

He told the Chronicle: “Winning the league? That’s not the priority. To get promoted is the first objective.

“There is always icing on the cake though in the Football League, and if the possibility of that is available we will certainly chase it.”

United were taking on Watford today knowing they could take a massive step towards achieving either target, and with the comforts of home to come when Barnsley visit St James’s Park next week.

Toon first-team coach Calderwood has refused to single out specific matches and a pathway to the top flight.

He added: “The important thing is the next game, and no matter who that’s against we can’t get away from that philosophy.

“Whether we like it or not, it’s away and we know we have had two draws away and a defeat at Derby.”

Indeed, with West Brom and Nottingham Forest stalling recent weeks and Newcastle also suffering a stumble at Derby County earlier this month, Calderwood won’t take anything for granted.

He said: “That last section of the season is about minimising your draws. Draws can be good, like the Swansea one was, but you have to have a winning mentality.”